W
olfe Street Journal
Fall 2014
Still carrying the message...
Founded in 1982, the Wolfe Street Foundation, Inc. is fully funded through private contributions. Patronage is vital to our mission of love and service. Several levels of giving are available. Please help us continue to provide a meeting place, education and prevention programs and fellowship center for Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups. Take a minute to join us. We need you. See page 2 to become a Patron of the Wolfe Street Foundation, Inc. or visit our website.
www.wolfestreet.org
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Experience, Strength, and Hope It took 312 BlackBerrys. Well, actually, it took quite a bit for me to finally admit that I was an alcoholic. I was first introduced to AA by good ol' Uncle Sam, and not my father’s brother Sam, when I was in the Air Force. My drinking got me in a lot of trouble. It was while I was stationed in South Korea, facing a court martial and a discharge, I decided to go to treatment. Not because I thought I had a problem and I wanted help, but because my lawyer said it might help my case. It didn’t. See, I was not sick and tired of being sick and tired, but the Air Force was sick and tired of me. After my court martial pointed out my 36 alcohol-related incidents, they booted me out. And I decided to dry out. I tried my hardest not to drink, but every time, I always ended up waking up from a blackout wondering what was wrong with me. By this point, I had lost my job, most of my friends and my family wouldn't even talk to me. My bottom came when I was sitting in a jail facing 20 years for stealing 312 BlackBerrys. I finally said, “I need some help.” After being 12-stepped in a detox facility, I decided that I was willing to do whatever it took not to live like this. By working the steps with a sponsor and applying them to my daily life, everything I lost I have been given back and then some. I'm not proud of the BlackBerrys, but they may have saved my life. ̶ Chance S. Pig Pen Young People’s Group
We are not a glum lot. Friends of Wolfe Street pose for a group photo in front of the Rock Pavilion while volunteering at the 2014 Golf Scramble at War Memorial Park.
Fall 2014
Wolfe Street Journal Wolfe Street Center Patron Name_______________________ Address_____________________ City, State___________________ Email: Check category and payment method. Corporate or Personal Sponsorship _____ $2000 or more annually Benefactor Patron _____ $1000 annually
In Memory of Dr. Robert Barros Polly Brainard Sue Downs Larry Mobley Don Waddle “There I humbly offered myself to God, as I then I understood Him, to do with me as He would.� -Big Book, pg. 13
_____ $83.33 per month Patron _____ $750 annually _____ $62.50 per month Supporting Patron _____ $500 annually _____ $41.67 per month Voting Patron _____ $240 annually _____ $20.00 per month Participating Patron _____ $60 annually _____ $5 per month Friends of Wolfe Street _____ Amount is optional
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WANT AD Higher Power seeks candidates with following 12 qualifications: Must be human. I do understand that this means I will have to put up with imperfections and occasional screw-ups. Not a problem. I am experienced in dealing with that. Must have active respirations. Humans without respirations are handled in a different department. Must be willing to open either doors or windows to let me in. I could come through a wall but I prefer not to operate that way. Must be willing to let me into her/his life. No matter how much I do for them, they won’t be able to see it if they are not willing to see it. Must be willing to accept my help. Generally taking the first step helps with that. I’ve been told, “If we provide the willingness, God will provide the way.” And I am there. If you are willing, I can work with you. Must be willing to listen and accept what I tell them. No editing and no making stuff up. I do sometimes speak in mysterious ways and it can be easy to miss if you are not paying attention. I especially enjoy tricky little coincidences. Some 12-stepper got it right when they said, “Coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous.” One person prayed for a sign and found the answer on a sign by the roadside! “That looks like a sign to me!” Must be willing to accept love and forgiveness even if it takes time before they are able to believe they deserve it. Must be willing to turn it over and let me do my job but how that is accomplished is negotiable. Participant may dictate the qualities desired in me. Being omnipotent and omniscient, that is not a problem for me. Permissive? Forgiving? Merciful? Attentive? No problem! You got it! Names I will answer to are negotiable. I have been called God, Higher Power, Mother, Father, Jesus, Allah, Cosmic Order, Love and Doorknob. Whatever works for you. I am pretty flexible on that point. A prime candidate would be willing to bring troubles to me at all hours of the day or night and would remember to do so. Preferred candidates are willing to have fun, laugh, and not take themselves too seriously. Skeptical candidates are welcome. Some of my best work has been done with you! Maybe you cannot see me but I am still real. You can’t see the wind either but you can see the trees moving. You can’t see me but you can see the people I work with moving!
Why not believe in me? Give it a try. What do you have to lose? The Wolfe Street Foundation partnered with The BridgeWay for Lunch and Learn on September 26th. Over 100 people attended the seminar presented by Wolfe Street Board member, Sarah Cearley, PhD. The seminar focused on addictive behavior and what leads up to ingesting or doing something we think will make us feel better. Sarah will be presenting this incredible seminar at the Wolfe Street Center in Spring 2015. Watch for details.
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
Their inspirational and often Hilarious TRUE STORY. The off-Broadway play – “Pass It On. An Evening With Bill W. & Dr. Bob” - the beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous, returns to the Argenta Theater, Friday and Saturday, November 21-22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, November 23rd at 2pm.
Tickets are $20 each and available online at www.wolfestreet.org. Last year over 8,000 students died on American college campuses due to binge drinking and drug addiction. Over 80 percent of all illegal drugs on planet Earth are consumed in the United States, resulting in a devastating negative impact on the social, economic, mental, physical, and spiritual health of our nation. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (N.C.A.D.D.) was founded by Bill W. in an effort to let the public know there is a solution. Unflappable, Inc. and (NCADD) knew, and they are spreading the word. Their report is volunteers turned an idea into an eventful production of “Pass It On”. We all reap the benefit. Two very kind, very professional, and highly skilled actors have dedicated their hearts, energy, and livelihood to carrying this message of hope to stages across the U.S. Gary Kimble and Will Stutts, of Unflappable Inc., are once again bringing Bill W. and Dr. Bob alive on stage at Argenta Community Theatre. Not only have we had the honor of hosting and getting to know these incredible actors, we get to know the AA founders intimately for 90 minutes, and “Pass It On” delivers facts about alcoholism and the AA program that surprise us and touch us.
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Meditation
EVERY SUNDAY 9:00-9:50 AM BEGINNING 10/26/14 UPSTAIRS IN THE ELEVENTH STEP ROOM
October 10th will be the last 2014 Noon Friday Meditation Prayer and meditation are essential to recovery in the 12 Step Program. The importance of having a spiritual practice cannot be over estimated. To facilitate the development of both individual and community spiritual practice, The Wolfe Street Foundation is establishing an ongoing weekly meditation. Spiritual practices are by their very nature intimate, personal and unique. To honor this work and its’ deep meaning, the meditation will be an open format. The leader, a trusted servant, will provide: a relevant prompt, select a reading, set a time for beginning and ending the meditation and provide guidance for the discussion. The meditation will be silent. A collection basket for “Conscious Sharing” will be at the door. “The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development.” ̶”As Bill Sees It” pg. 17
Even oldtimers have a backache, A Headache, and Heartache
Think a pill might help? Come see what a professional thinks about that. A workshop by Michael Morrison Recovery Therapist at Baptist Hospital October 5 1 to 2:30 pm Wolfe Street Center Room 101—West Wing Suggested Donation $5
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S
ince its first performance on December 31, 1990, in Boston, the Alloy Orchestra has developed an extensive repertoire of music and sounds that it performs during the projection of silent films. Its three musicians use an array of found objects and electronics as well as traditional percussion, wind and keyboard instruments. Entertainment Weekly put the ensemble on its "It List" of the 100 most creative people or groupings in the entertainment world. Terry Gross on National Public Radio called the trio "one of the pioneers in composing new music for old movies" and Lloyd Schwartz discussed their recording of scores to a pair of Buster Keaton films: "Most silent movie music just fills the void. Some of it even gets in the way. But the Alloy Orchestra really helps us see what we're watching and often the music, whether driving or fanciful, is worth listening to on its own.
The world famous Alloy Orchestra will present a live musical score to the Rudolf Valentino silent classic film SON OF THE SHIEK, October 7, 2014 at the Argenta Theatre in North Little Rock.
One show only - 7 p.m. Certain to sell out. Tickets $20 +tax Buy your tickets at www.wolfestreet.org
Ahmed, son of Diana and Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, falls in love with Yasmin, a dancing girl who fronts her father's gang of mountebanks. Among the cutthroats is Ghobah, a villainous Moor to whom Yasmin is promised. In ruins near Touggourt, the city where Yasmin dances, she and Ahmed meet secretly until one night when her father and the gang capture the son of the sheik, torture him, and hold him for ransom. Will Ahmed believe that Yasmin set him up for capture?
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Serenity Garden Coming soon to Wolfe Street Center front lawn is A SERENITY GARDEN. All donations are appreciated and are 100% tax deductible. For more information call 501-2313557 or email wolfestreetLR@gmail.com
“Acceptance brings peace.” My name is Aimee C., incredibly grateful member of Alanon. Like so many, I came into Alanon on my knees, defeated and at the bottom. There was no where else to turn after my husband’s latest binge in Mexico with alcohol, drugs and women. A few years before, with the help of my therapist, I had drawn the line in the sand before our child was born, stating that if he continued, I would not be able to remain in the relationship. It took a tremendous amount of effort and support to follow through with that boundary after the latest binge. But in my heart of hearts, I knew I had to break off the marriage for the sake of my sanity and our then 3 year old child’s well being. I was left with everything, including massive debt. That was 27 years ago this summer. From that place on my knees, Alanon lifted me up, helped me dust myself off and get moving again. I found a sponsor who guided me through my work with the Twelve Steps, and I immersed myself in meetings, conferences, service work and Program social activities. Ever so slowly, as the onion layers peeled away, I kept finding more onion! And also found acceptance of myself and others. My mantra became “Acceptance brings peace.” Back in those days, we could smoke in meetings, which is where I came face to face with my addiction to nicotine, and was able to quit by using Alanon and the 12 Steps. When I stepped away from the Program for a break, I lost that 7 year quit, and smoked for another 5 years. Finally, I found Nicotine Anonymous and currently have almost 10 years free of nicotine. Along with Nicotine Anonymous meetings, I’m attending Alanon meetings today, and am more respectful than ever of the devastation of addiction. My ex is still out there, which is a tragedy for his already compromised health, his family, his life. I am able to detach from his behavior, but love the man. Gratefully, our kid grew up in Alateen, and has some coping tools to deal with his life. It’s such a gift to be able to live life on life’s terms with the help of the Steps, Traditions, meetings, service work, readings and working with a sponsor. Thank you Alanon, for my sanity, serenity and for saving my life!
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Howling at the Moon Halloween Bash A SCARY GOOD TIME FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Halloween Night 7 to 10 pm
Costume Contest Trick or Treating Bobbing for Apples
Cake Walk Dancing All for only $2
Supported by groups meeting at the Wolfe Street Ctr.
Thanksgiving Speaker Potluck Speaker—DeShawn D. at 5:30pm Hosted by the Happy Hour Group Friday, November 21 at 6:30pm Upstairs at the Wolfe Street Center
Wolfe Street Center Holiday Open House Movies ׀Football ׀Games Christmas & New Year’s Day Meetings Please bring snacks. Utensils and (non-alcoholic) drink provided. Want to help? Bring food, setup, tend tables, and clean up.
5..4..3..2..1 New Year’s Eve Fellowship Ring in the New Year with the Wolfe Street Center. Potluck starts at 8pm. Please bring snacks, desserts, and drinks.
Meetings at 10 and 11:30pm. Ring in the New Year at Midnight!
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Note from the Board In its19th year, the Wolfe Street Scramble held at War Memorial Golf Course continues as one of the most fun events for golfers of every caliber. Some had never played the game but drove the Friends of Wolfe Street, Rai, carts with the best of Brian, and William serve Crossthem. Others feel ready Eyed Pig BBQ at the 2014 Golf for the pro tour. (This is Scramble at War Memorial Park. a disease of perception don’t you know!) Board members, Pete Hornibrook and Alfred Williams co-chaired this year’s Scramble and offer their sincere thanks to all who helped make the 2014 Wolfe Street Scramble the best ever. Friends of Wolfe Street, a newly formed group of volunteers dedicated to revitalizing the heart of the recovery community, were there in full force handling everything from registration, selling mulligans, and serving lunch to hanging banners and being hole spotters ̶ keeping their good eye on it, for the $10k Hole in One sponsored by Jones & Son Fine Jewelry. Special thanks to Anthony Michael for donating Crosseyed Pig BBQ for 100!
Board of Directors President Pete Hornibrook Vice President Thomas J. Kelly Jr., PhD Treasurer Anthony Michael Secretary Colin Jorgensen Jo Blankenship Mary Clare Brierley Sarah Cearley, PhD Tricia Chaffin Kay Fisher Larry Gaines Betti Hamilton Jennifer Jones Donna Skulman Lloyd Alfred Williams Advisory Board Rick Adkins Nancy Kumpuris Kathy Gwatney Hardison
First place trophies were awarded by Pete Hornibrook, WSF Board President, (2nd from left) to from left: Casey Bright, Chris White, Reggie English, and Steve Prince.
Executive Director Markey Ford
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Meetings @ Wolfe Street Center AA Sunday Breakfast 8:30-9:30 AM $5 Wednesday Lunch Noon-1 $5 SUNDAY 7:30AM OD Hour of Power 9:00AM Meditation 10:00AM 11th Step/OD- Hour of Power 5:30 PM OD Happy Hour 5:30 PM OD Pig Pen YPG 7:00 PM New Beginnings /O-120 ½ MONDAY 6:45AM OD Hour of Power NOON OD Brown Bag 1:00PM OD Little Rock Women 5:30PM CD Happy Hour 7:00PM OBBS Pig Pen YPG 8:00PM OSS Dunbar TUESDAY 6:45AM OD Hour of Power NOON OD Brown Bag 5:30PM CD Happy Hour 7:00PM CD 120 ½
WEDNESDAY 6:45AM OD NOON OS 5:30PM CD 7:30-9PM CBB THURSDAY 6:45AM OD NOON OD 5:30PM CD 8:00PM OS FRIDAY 6:45AM OD NOON OD 5:30PM CD 8:00PM OD 10:00PM OD SATURDAY 7:30AM OD 1:00PM CD 5:30PM OD 8:00PM OS 10:00PM OD
Hour of Power Dunbar Happy Hour Big Book Study Hour of Power Brown Bag Happy Hour 120 ½ Hour of Power Brown Bag Happy Hour Y.E.S. Group Last Chance Hour of Power Rebos Happy Hour Big Meeting Last Chance
Al-Anon MONDAY 5:30PM 5:30PM TUESDAY 9:30AM
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Name of Group Happy Hour AFG Alateen
THURSDAY 5:30PM
Al-Anon Step Study
FRIDAY 5:30PM
Happy Hour AFG
T-N-T AFG
SATURDAY 8:00PM
Dunbar AFG
Group Liaison Reps meet at 5:30 on the 2nd Thursdays of February, April, June, August, October & December.
(501) 372-5662 ▪ Fax (501) 375-7949
1015 Louisiana—P. O. Box 3708 Little Rock, AR 72203
FOUNDATION
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